Word of the week

 

Clutter. Consumers' minds are cluttered, shelves are cluttered by to many brands and brand extensions, web pages are cluttered - actually the internet needs more and more search power in order to stay relevant, user interfaces are cluttered, etc. These days everything is unintelligently organized. Un-clutter your world! :) 

Recruit by the brand

Apple wants to hire a programmer who can "deliver tight, well implemented features, fix bugs and develop Finder into the best file browser on the planet."


Do HR people in your company/a company you know and admire write job descriptions based on the company's DNA?

Werewolf

No, I'm not showing off my Swatch :) I've been bitten by a dog and am now gradually becoming a werewolf / dog. Actually, I will have to take 5 shots to prevent this from happening :).

After writing my reply to Ioana's comment, I found this prejudice map and thought I should search the net for things Romanians are known for. This is what Google displayed on the first page:

"Romanians are known for not mincing words when it comes to sharing their opinions
Romanians are known for throwing boring routines that get big scores.
Romanians are known for their hospitality so if you want to ask for something do
not hesitate to do so.
Romanians are known for hospitality and generosity.
Romanians are known
for they lameness on every channel on undernet.
Romanians are known for their abilities and motivation to learn languages.
Romanians are known for their love of a good party.
Romanians are known best for: there were fights in
all the places I've been to -- the post office, the bank, the cable company ..."

Welcome in 2006

:)

Self indulgence behind branding

"Hedonism: the belief that pleasure is the principle good, and should be the highest aim of the individual and society."

Hedonism is the foundation of more than 90% of brand messages these days. While this is hardly a rising trend (it's been here for at least 15-20 years now), thinking about it one may find it somewhat encasing. But then again it's more than natural for consumers to expect that products help them find self indulgence. It's been more than 50 years since soap brands promise more time (a benefit of their effectiveness), better scents, healthier skin etc...

Hedonism is not a wow-experience for any marketer. However, marketers usually question surveys on consumer attitude which state that buyers value natural ingredients. They say: "Hey, is the consumer lying? He/she is telling you that natural products are better than those containing preservatives and various other chemicals but then buys products from the second category." No, consumers don't lie. Hedonism means different things to different customer segments. It might mean more money left for other products, more time, more sugar and other things.